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The Old Rectory, Farnborough

In a series of immaculately tended garden rooms inc herbaceous borders, arboretum, secret garden, roses, vegetables and bog garden. There is an explosion of rare and interesting plants, beautifully combined for colour and texture.

Owner Info

  • Mrs Michael Todhunter
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough
The Old Rectory, Farnborough

About The Old Rectory, Farnborough

At nearly 250 metre high and despite being prey to winds from the downs, this 4 acre garden has been created over 30 years, based on a good original structure of large trees and hedges with magnificent views.

The house is as pretty as any old village rectory could be and sits at the heart of the garden looking out at the downs. Deep parallel herbaceous borders are backed by yew hedges. The planting by the front of the house is subtle and effective, the smaller areas have been laid out for sun or shade loving plants. Woodland contrasts with shrubs and lawns, and the fast-growing arboretum now contains over 150 trees.

The swimming pool is surrounded by a large hydrangea sargentiana and potted lilies, with mixed roses and clematis around the outside walls. There is a collection of old roses and small flowered clematis, and wild flowers line the front lawn by the ha-ha. The tennis court has been turned into a ‘boule a drome’ – a place in the middle to play boule – with four large beds, pretty wrought iron gates and a gazebo.

Those who like John Betjeman’s poetry will be interested to know that he lived here from 1945-1950 and can look for the ghost of Miss Joan Hunter Dunn in the shrubberies. A John Piper window in the church is in his memory

Regional Finalist, The English Garden’s The Nation’s Favourite Gardens 2019.

The Old Rectory, Farnborough features

Location details

The Old Rectory,
Farnborough,
near Wantage,
Oxon,
OX12 8NX

Directions to The Old Rectory, Farnborough
Take B4494 Wantage-Newbury road, after 4m turn E at sign for Farnborough. Approx 1m to village, Old Rectory on L.

The Old Rectory, Farnborough openings

This garden has now completed its National Garden Scheme openings for this year.

Accessibility

  • Access over some steep slopes and gravel paths.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Yes, coaches are accepted at The Old Rectory, Farnborough. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at The Old Rectory, Farnborough, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Sorry, The Old Rectory, Farnborough does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

The Old Rectory, Farnborough is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.